Will Abir Gulaal Be Banned As An Aftermath Of The Pahalgam Terror Attack? Exhibitors Fear Screening Film

Since the announcement of Abir Gulaal first came in, there have been constant reports and unrest around the film’s release. The movie features Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, marking the former’s return to Bollywood. Slated for a release on May 9, it looks like the movie may not see the light of day anytime soon and is likely to be pushed owing to safety concerns by exhibitors post the Pahalgam terror attack.

The attack in Jammu and Kashmir has once again led to boycott calls of Pakistani artists as well as their films, therefore causing trouble for Abir Gulaal as well.

Given that there are extremely anti-Pakistan sentiments in the aftermath of the terror attack, it has instilled a sense of fear among exhibitors for screening the movie. Reports have been doing the rounds about how they don’t want to be the subject of any backlash, and while the production house is trying to get things to work, the film’s May 9 release is rather unlikely. And chances are that the release will be pushed back until things calm down, but there’s no timeline on that either, as theatres aren’t very comfortable about featuring a film starring a Pakistani actor.

Also Read : Abir Gulaal Teaser Has Fawad Khan Fans Gushing Over His Return To Bollywood

Amid this, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) stated on Wednesday, reiterating its directive of not co-operating with Pakistani artists, singers, or technicians in the Indian entertainment space.

The statement also highlighted how, despite the directive, the collaboration for Abir Gulaal with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has been highlighted, and they want to ensure and highlight once again that they’ve issued a blanket boycott on Pakistani artists after the attack in Pahalgam.

For the unversed, there was already a directive in place which was issued back in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack.

As one would have it, #boycottabirgulaal has been trending on social media, and netizens don’t want the film to be released. Many also highlighted how if the government is serious about what’s happened, they should ban the film’s release.

The terrorist attack that happened in a tourist spot in Pahalgam has shaken the nation, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, while injuring many others. As a repercussion of the same, the Indian government has taken several steps against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which has been in place for decades, now.